We launch search for dynamic firms

George Cowcher Chamber of commerce

Published:08:10Thursday 03 November 2011

THE Ripley and Heanor News is offering a free advertising package worth a total of more than £15,000 to our towns three most dynamic fledgling businesses after signing up to the Business Accelerators campaign.

The unprecedented package of free advertising also includes free mentoring help from business experts as part of a £15 million national campaign by the newspaper industry.

There are three fantastic prizes up for grabs which are sure to help any up-and-coming dynamic business reach its customers. Our first prize will see the News give away a free advertising package spanning 12 weeks worth more than £7,600.

The bold initiative, backed by Dragons’ Den judge Deborah Meaden, is called Local Business Accelerators and is being spearheaded by the voice of local media, the Newspaper Society. Nearly 500 local press publications, including the News, are joining forces to promote the strength and value of local newspapers for local businesses and communities.

Together, the local press industry will search for the nation’s most promising young businesses and help them accelerate their success with top professional advice from local business mentors, plus the substantial allocation of free advertising space in their local publication. What’s more, one lucky business picked from the hundreds of regional winners will get individual mentoring sessions from the LBA national ambassador Deborah Meaden, who will become a consultant and mentor to the business for one year.

Deborah said: “I’ve seen the unique contribution that local press makes to the success of local businesses time and again with my own ventures.

“In this age of enterprise it has never been more important to drive awareness about the value of local marketing for a fledgling business, which is why I’m so proud to support Local Business Accelerators and help build thriving and industrious communities.”

This week the News launches its Local Business Accelerators search.

It is open to all businesses that are active in the local community, between one and three years old and full of potential.

They may have a great idea or product, or have even found a new market. They’re the kind of businesses that will create new jobs and individually they will create pride in the community.

If you run such a business, or know anyone who does, and want the chance to receive invaluable business support and advertising space in the News then visit www.accelerateme.co.uk for more information on the scheme and how to enter.

Entries close on November 14, 2011.

The judges will also be looking out for that one overall star business to put forward to be in with a chance to gain Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden as their business mentor during 2012.

Geraldine Allinson, president of the Newspaper Society, said: “The UK needs to grow local businesses like never before, and local businesses need local press.

No other medium has the power, local knowledge and influence to activate a scheme like Local Business Accelerators. It’s where local newspapers have always made a real difference: by helping to build strong local businesses and encourage thriving communities.”

Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron has this week backed the Business Accelerators Campaign, describing the move as an “excellent initiative” aimed at giving practical support to small businesses across the country.